Huskies Open Against Auburn

The University of Washington Huskies opens against Auburn on Saturday September 1^st in Atlanta Georgia. Both teams are ranked in the top ten of the pre-season poll. The Huskies are ranked number one in the Pac-12 as well. Whatever happens in the first game of the season both teams could still make the National Championship Series if they win out all the way. It is not an easy task but is still possible. Another loss along the way for the loser of the game will be hard to overcome though.

Offensively Jake Browning returns for his senior year and fourth year starting at quarterback for the Huskies. Many experts that he had an off-year in his junior year however hoping for return to his play of his sophomore season. When his Huskies career is over he should have all the team records for the quarterback position. Myles Gaskin returns as well as the starting running back. Also he could end his career as the Huskies all-time running back. He thought about going into the NFL draft after his junior year but decided to return after all. Since the Huskies make the running game an important part of their offense sophomore Ahmed Salvon will backup Gaskin. He is expected to be the team’s kick returner as well. Chico McClatcher who missed most of last season will return as the Huskies number one wide receiver while Marquis Spiker will be the other wide receiver. Aaron Fuller is expected to be McClatcher’s back up. He is expected to be the team’s punt returner as well. Likely he will see a lot of action as the team’s third receiver as well. The Huskies are expected to start two tight ends. They are expected to be senior Drew Sample and sophomore Hunter Bryant.

The offensive line is expected to be senior Trey Adams at left tackle, sophomore left guard Luke Wattenberg, junior center Nick Harris Jr., seniors Jesse Sosebee and Kaleb McGary at right guard and right tackle.

On the defensive side of the ball returning as free safety is junior Taylor Rapp who has had an outstanding career with the Huskies and senior JoJo McIntosh at strong safety. Austin Joyner and Bryon Murphy are expected to be the cornerbacks. The Huskies will have outstanding backups as well far as defensive backs go. The top defensive ends are expected to be Benning Potoae and Jaylon Johnson. Sophomore Levi Onwuzunike is expected to be the defensive tackle while senior Greg Gaines will be the nose tackle.  Inside linebackers will be seniors Trevis Bartlett and Ben Burr-Kirven while sophomore Ryan Bowman will be at outside linebacker.  Far as special teams Joe Whitford will be punter, Van Soderberg as place kicker, long snapper A.J. Carty, and holder Race Porter.  You will likely see other players see a lot of action as well on the Huskies team. We are hoping that they will come out strong on Saturday. Being the opening game of the season it is always hard to tell. Go Huskies.